Robertson beats Selby to claim China Open title

BEIJING - Neil Robertson of Australia beat Mark Selby in the final of snooker China Open Sunday to win his seventh ranking title and the first since the 2010 World Open.

Neil Robertson of Australia kisses the champion's trophy after beating Mark Selby of England to win the snooker China Open title in Beijing, March 31, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Robertson withstood the pressure in the 16th frame after several safety exchanges to registered a 10-6 hard-fought victory over Selby in the season's penultimate world ranking event.

Selby, who is set to regain the world number one ranking from Judd Trump next week, white-washed Robertson 100-0 in the opening frame, but Robertson took the next six frames in a row for a 6-1 lead in the afternoon session.

However, Selby fought back after the interval by winning three frames with top runs of 81, 125,66 and made it 6-4.

Robertson extended his lead to 9-4 with top breaks of 110 and 90. Selby made a cool 116 in the 14th frame to pull one back. In 15th frame, Robertson run out of position when potting a red and Selby stepped in to save the second match point with a break of 63. Robertson finally denied Selby's chance in the last frame.

Selby failed to take the China Open title for the second time as the Leicester cueman was defeated by the eventual champion Judd Trump two years ago. But he has already won the UK Championship, the Masters and two PTC events this term.

Neil Robertson of Australia celebrates with the champion's trophy after beating Mark Selby of England to win the snooker China Open title in Beijing, March 31, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]